In the early 1990s, Spade, then an accessories editor at Mademoiselle magazine, launched her company with her husband in their apartment. She started the company based on six shapes of bags that she thought every working woman needed -- and it would propel her to the upper echelons of the exceedingly competitive global fashion and design industry. She later walked away from her label in 2007.

Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour said in a statement, "Kate designed with great charm and humor, and built a global empire that reflected exactly who she was and how she lived. Long before we talked about authenticity, she defined it." (Read the full statement from Wintour here.)

"'I believed that I could, so I did.'" She alone didn’t change the handbag world but she was an inspiring accessory," tweeted fellow designer Kenneth Cole.

Liz Lange, another designer, added "The nicest woman, the first person to compliment me on Liz Lange Maternity when I first started. And the creator of the most iconic brand. I am heart broken by this news."

Even first daughter Ivanka Trump mourned the designer, writing "Kate Spade’s tragic passing is a painful reminder that we never truly know another’s pain or the burden they carry. If you are struggling with depression and contemplating suicide, please, please seek help."

Kate Spade’s tragic passing is a painful reminder that we never truly know another’s pain or the burden they carry. If you are struggling with depression and contemplating suicide, please, please seek help. https://t.co/eruSexNoGj

Shocked to hear of Kate Spade’s passing. She was a pioneer for women’s fashion, and to the outside world, a success in every way. But mental illness does not discriminate. No matter who you are. If you ever feel alone, know there is ALWAYS help. Love you.

Kate Spade was an entrepreneurial and artistic force, and all of us know that already. But what we don't tend to is what's going on behind the scenes. There's no shame in reaching out if you need it. You're not alone, no matter how alone you may feel.